Phoebe Maunee Saunders

Phoebe Maunee Saunders 27 February 1936 – 6 February 2023 Born to Steven Dewberry and Clarice Kelly Dewberry in Lawrenceburg TN, Phoebe – known to her friends and family as “Cricket” – grew up in Waynesboro, TN and graduated from Clarke County High School in Grovesville, Alabama. Her grandparents were Andrew Jackson Kelly and Mamie Moore Kelly of Waynesboro, TN. After briefly attending the University of Alabama, Phoebe Married Marvin R Saunders on March 2nd, 1959, in Rock Island, IL before settling in Bettendorf, IA. There Phoebe and Marvin raised two children: Mark Saunders and Sheila Saunders McClure. After divorcing, Phoebe moved to Arizona to be near her mother and settled in Tempe. She soon finished her BA at Arizona State University in 1978 and began a career as a teacher in Maricopa County. As her mother’s health waned, Phoebe moved to Sun City to help care for her. She also began work in credentialing for the American Board of Plastic Surgery of Maricopa County, a position she held until she retired in 1999. After the passing of her son, Mark, in 1993, and looking for an outlet to keep herself active, Phoebe auditioned for and was accepted into the Sun City Poms. The Poms are a dance group of women aged 55 and older that performs in parades, community events, fundraisers and more. In 2006 she became an original member of the Golden Grannies, a dance a group best known for performing at Phoenix Suns basketball games. Throughout her life, Phoebe was actively involved in Democratic Party and the Methodist Church. Phoebe is survived by her daughter, Sheila Saunders McClure and Son-in-law Robert McClure of Glendora, CA, Granddaughters Juliet McClure of Manhattan Beach, CA and Sarah Iusi of Surprise, AZ and Granddaughters Sophie and Fallon Iusi. A Memorial Service will be held at the First United Church of Sun City, 9849 N 105th Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351, on Saturday, February 25th at 2pm.